2027: North mobilizes for Tinubu as Shekarau, Badaru, Lalong, others float new group
By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA – The political landscape of Northern Nigeria is undergoing a significant shift as key political figures unite to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign for 2027. A new mobilization effort, named Arewa for Asiwaju A4A, was formally announced on Monday. The initiative brings together a coalition of former governors, current and former senators, ministers, and influential grassroots leaders from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Edwin Olofu, the head of media relations for the initiative, detailed the announcement in a statement issued in Abuja. He mentioned that a formal unveiling event is forthcoming, with zonal and state-level inaugurations expected to follow shortly.
At the helm of the A4A structure is a 14-member Board of Trustees (BOT), chaired by Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, a former governor of Kano State and ex-minister of education. He is joined by former Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Geidam, who serves as deputy, along with Barrister Simon Bako Lalong, the former governor of Plateau State. Other members include Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, Senator Joshua Dariye, Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (retired), Senator Aliyu Wamakko, and several other notable figures.
The day-to-day operations of the campaign will be overseen by a National Directorate led by former Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar, who has been appointed Director General. He will coordinate campaign strategies across all 19 states and the FCT, supported by three Deputy National Coordinators representing the Northern geopolitical zones.
A range of specialized directorates will manage specific aspects of the campaign. Dr. Bala Wunti will lead the Finance and Resource Mobilization efforts, with support from Abdulrahman Leme. Operations and Logistics will be directed by Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura. Communications and Media Strategy will be handled by Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, with Edwin Olofu also serving as Head of Media Relations.
Other directorates include Business Community and Professionals, directed by Senator Sani Musa; Religious Community, led by Malam Abdullahi Mukhtar Mohammad; and Academic Community Mobilization, spearheaded by Professor Umar Adam Katsayal. At the grassroots level, coordinators have been appointed across all 19 Northern states and the FCT.
The mobilization initiative reflects the political commitment of Northern Nigeria’s leadership as they consolidate support for Tinubu’s reelection efforts, positioning themselves for the upcoming electoral campaign.
